RJ Grunts
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2056 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL 60614 Lincoln Park - Get Directions
- Phone number (773) 929-5363
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Business website rjgruntschicago.com
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“So many good choices on the salad bar with top notch produce just make for the perfect meal.” in 292 reviews
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“Besides the wonderful food (burgers cooked to order, amazing cole slaw and cottage fries), the drinks are great.” in 32 reviews
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“And for your sweet tooth, there's this scrumptious chocolate chip cream cheese "stuff".” in 32 reviews
Recommended Reviews
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- Melissa B.
- Bartlett, IL
- 6 friends
- 60 reviews
8/7/2015
Came here with my husband and another couple after taking pictures at the LP Zoo. We loved it! We started with the onion rings and fried pickles (my fav) which were really good.
I got the California wrap which was really good and my husband got a burger which he really liked. The portions are HUGE! And the prices are very reasonable.
The atmosphere was fun and our server was really nice. My only complaint would be that after the ice and fruit, there wasn't much Sangria in my drink, but it was still very good!
Wish we lived closer, we would come more often! -
- Melissa B.
- Mill Creek, IN
- 2 friends
- 7 reviews
8/1/2015
Found this lovely place on my cab ride to Lincoln Park Zoo(just across the street).
The staff were all super friendly. My server was a gem. She walked through the menu as it was my first time there.
Got the salad bar( huge compared to most, very fresh), the BLT( Yummy!) that comes with 2 pickle spears and fresh made potato chips. As there was a carafe of ice water waiting on the table, I ordered one of their amazing shakes which you can customize. I got a chocolate peanut butter shake that was to die for.
I will definitely return here the next time I'm visiting LPZ! -
7/31/2015
great "chain-like" food...
the menu is similar to that of your suburban brew-pubs and the like, however tastes much better ;) loved my veggie burger - not heavy on the black bean filler and i could actually see what veggies were used to "create it". i upgraded to the sweet potato fries and sure glad i did - shoestring and delicious. hubs loved his patty melt and our kid was presented with a fun tray/plate, animal crackers and wikisticks (in addition to the usual coloring sheet and crayons).
better than average salad bar, but for $15 a pop, it's not that great. i'd rather get a nice hearty plated meal.
only 2 complaints: it's tight in there! i had to keep scooting my seat closer to the table to avoid salad bar traffic. thank goodness they didn't seat anyone in the awkwardly placed 4 top wedged behind us and a pole. i basically could place my elbow on the corner of that table!
also - the bathroom...eekoids! small and stinky and of course my kid had a diaper doo doo so it was like a video game trying to change him (on an awkwardly highly placed changing table) and avoid getting whacked by either the (only) stall door, an elbow of someone washing their hands or the bathroom door! -
- Toby D.
- Denver, CO
- 44 friends
- 12 reviews
8/12/2015
1 check-inTHE. BEST. WINGS. IN. CHICAGO. PERIOD. I'm a wing aficionado and I've easily had wing at over 100 establishments in the city and these are by far the best. They're always served piping hot, perfectly crisped and Coates in delicious sauces. Bird's Nest is a close second but for my money, no one beats RJ's wings. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is friendly and the drinks are stiff. I've inly had the wings, but the salad bar is its own marvel.
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7/4/2015
1 check-inI really wanted to like RJ Grunts. We showed up 30 minutes early for our reservation but they couldn't accommodate us. Not a problem. We walked over to the zoo and enjoyably killed the time till they could seat us. When we got back, they seated us almost immediately. This gives them lots of bonus points in my book. Hence, I wanted to like it.
Feeling adventuresome, we decided to try the fried pickles as an appetizer. Not a great choice. Basically it was like chicken McNuggets with a pickle in the center instead of mystery chicken parts. Not something I would ever get again. I tried their signature burger, the Grunt Burger, as a main course. Big disappointment. It was a very ordinary burger for $13. Not bad, but nothing I would ever get again.
The only exceptional part of the meal was the dessert. We got the Cookie Bowl. Wow, that was great. My buddy got an ice cream sundae which he said was very good. So if I were looking for a place for dessert only, this would be a go-to place. But for a dinner, there are a lot of other options that are way ahead of it. -
- Charlie S.
- Vancouver, WA
- 0 friends
- 1 review
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4/26/2015
1 check-inGood spot to grab a lunch or dinner. It does get busy so it's wise to make an advanced reservation. Huge salad bar with lots of choices of greens, pasta & soup selections. Look thru their menu before going because they have a large selection of choices (Menu: leye.com/files/Menus/Gru…). Overall service was Ok; our server was attentive and prompt with our needs & requests; wait for the food wasn't long and the ambiance was a bit retro with dark amber lights and 60's pictures of women every corner of the wall.
I ordered the Old Hickory (Chicken Breast with cajun spices) for $10.95. It's always an odd feeling for me to order a burger priced over $10. I am not a fan for paying that much of a burger. My sandwich lacked cajun spices and tasted mediocre. My wife ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger for $11.95 and tasted like any other burger. There is nothing here at RJ Grunts that placed their food or service above other restaurants besides their prices.
Kids menu available but I don't recommend it. Very small portions. Kids ordered chicken tenders/strips and it came with (2) descent sized strips with their homemade chips (potato chips).
I don't see a reason to recommend RJ Grunts. It's is over priced. C'mon who pays $8 for grilled cheese? Two slices of bread & Kraft Velveeta cheese melted in between (I prefer bacon) too. Gave (3) stars because it's descent but nothing to rave about. -
6/6/2015
1 check-inGreat burgers a few blocks away from Lincoln Park Zoo.
This place is known for its burgers. I happened to be around the neighborhood and decided to give it a shot. As I was walking towards the restaurant, first thing I noticed was the smell: we could smell hypnotizing delicious burgers even half a block away!
Menu is generous and they offer more food beyond burgers. But I wasn't there to explore anything else. I ordered a burger with a poblano pepper inside and was fascinated by it! At first it seemed to have too much cheddar cheese (the fake orange kind), but it turned out to balance the flavor just right.
In a party of four, each one of us loved their burgers!
I high recommend this place. They offer decently priced and delicious burgers! -
- Melissa B.
- Bartlett, IL
- 10 friends
- 148 reviews
7/13/2015
Went here after a long and exhausting day at the zoo...
Everything here other than burgers is very PLAIN and boring. Even the chips with the salsa and guacamole appetizer was the most bland tasting salsa and guac I have ever had. My fish (I ordered fish and chips) needed to be crispy. The fries were just not good. Reminded me of high school cafeteria fries. I can't stand when a place can't make something as simple as french fries taste good. Very friendly service though. I expected WAY better from a Lettuce Entertain You joint. -
- Victor R.
- Chicago, IL
- 39 friends
- 29 reviews
8/5/2015
2 check-insGreat wings and burgers! Also, a big salad bar if you are trying to eat healthy. They have been around for decades and have pictures of all the waitresses that have worked there over the years. A very cool place and it's one of the first lettuce entertain you restaurants. It's very casual and people are usually friendly. Definitely worth checking out.
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- Sarah R.
- Chicago, IL
- 42 friends
- 33 reviews
7/15/2015
1 check-inMy friend and I were going out to dinner on our way home and decided to get off at a random stop of the Clark bus in Lincoln Park. We ended up here because the sign looked cute. We were immediately seated; the restaurant wasn't busy.
Our server immediately greeted us with a smile. We had to ask about specials, which I can shrug because she was extremely sweet. I'm in the industry, so I usually know what to ask about- ie specials, faves, industry discounts, etc.
Our server told us that the burgers were the best, so I ordered a mushroom Swiss burger with a turkey patty on a lettuce bun instead of bread. With sweet potato fries because I'm a sucker for those things! My friend got the salad bar with one item (it's an option) - his one item was wings. The salad bar is gigantic and has anything under the sun. I was tempted, but man, I wanted a burger.
My burger was amazing! Too much lettuce as the bun, but I just didn't eat what I didn't want. The mushrooms were cute little button mushrooms. Sautéed perfectly. The Swiss was melty and delicious. The sweet potato fries were really good, too! They're cut like shoe string fries. She brought out a chipotle mayo of some kind for me to dip it in because it was something that she liked to pair it with. Service details! I gobbled my whole meal up!
I only had water. I would've gotten a cocktail but am on meds because I was a messy bartender the other day and slashed open my finger, putting me on meds to prevent infection- whomp.
What was awesome was that, since we were first time guests, our server brought out a 1/2 warmed up chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. HOW CRUEL. We were so full, but one bite into that ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie + it was a wrap! So. Delicious. What a great idea to make the experience memorable.
I would go back to try the salad bar. This place is GOOD, yes, and our service was great. But it's nothing too too special, you know?-
First time guest treat - 1/2 warmed up chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauceFirst time guest treat - 1/2 warmed up chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce -
Swiss Mushroom Turkey Burger (lettuce cup bun) with sweet potato friesSwiss Mushroom Turkey Burger (lettuce cup bun) with sweet potato fries
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1/1/2015 Updated review
15 check-insAfter an extremely long day at work, I had decided to stop into this Lincoln Park gem.
After waiting a short time, I was seated in Dori's section. She is outstanding. To make a long short, I decided to order the BBQ Ribs, which was the daily special.
When I was presented the incredible platter of ribs. OMG, the ribs were outstanding. Dori would check in with me without being overbearing. There were enough ribs, I had to take half of the ribs home.
Again, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.This past Sunday, on the spur of the moment, I took a chance and stopped in at RJ Grunts. Usually,… This past Sunday, on the spur of the moment, I took a chance and stopped in at RJ Grunts. Usually, there is a line out of the door waiting to get in for the weekend brunch.6/18/2013 Previous review
I was greeted and seated right away. On the way, to the table, I was able to get a glimpse of the breakfast buffet, which is compact but enough breakfast options. Andi, server, was very personable. I decided to go with the Brunch Entrée which included the breakfast and the salad bar.
The breakfast portion had nine different entrees from mini waffles to bacon. The items are in small pans so the food temperature was always hot. Of course, what can I say about the salad bar? The cream of mushroom was fantastic. I certainly got my fill.
Andi is a great asset to this restaurant. She was very present without being over bearing. She was very attentive to all of her tables.
I look forward to return to this great restaurant. I have never had a bad meal here. Read morePicture this....Monday night after 7pm, the restaurant is about half full, the hostess, seats me at… Picture this....Monday night after 7pm, the restaurant is about half full, the hostess, seats me at "Clyde's Table". This table next to the kitchen, little lighting. Every time a server or a busser goes pass me, they have to say "Corner" to avoid running into each other. Great way to have dinner. I would have enjoy reading my newspaper but due to the low lighting, I couldn't. What's wrong with seating people at a medium size table? Guess she doesn't have common sense.......I could have asked to be moved but then it would take away from my actual dining experience.2/7/2011 Previous review
My server, Melani M, was very nice. She asked for my drink order within a few minutes, my coke was at the table. She took the order, few minutes later, she "checked in" with me and stated my meal would be out shortly. It was out within a few minutes.
I had the Fish & Fries. Great amount of fries. Granted the fries were luke warm. Seems like the fish portions have gotten a little smaller.
She was very nice to her patrons within her station. It looked like she never rushed anyone. Check in with me again about my meal and followed up with another coke. Good job!
I had declined the dessert offer before she presented the check. I can't say another bad about Melani.
I have been to this restaurant several times and I have always been very satisfied. This time, it was okay. I'm hoping this was just a bad night at the restaurant. Read more -
4/17/2015
7 check-insGo-to lunch diner spot. Perfect mix of sandwiches and other yummy foods. I've had the turkey burger and also had the salad bar. The burger was fantastic especially with the sweet potato fries. The salad bar is relatively pricey but worth it if you're hungry.
I've only been there for lunch so not sure how dinner service is but the lunch service has been good every time even during slightly busier times.
Overall it's a decent lunch comfort food spot in the area. -
- Francesca R.
- Chicago, IL
- 7 friends
- 52 reviews
8/4/2015
Amongst all the amazing culinary choices in Chicago, the food is rather unremarkable, but what makes this place shine is the training and service you will find at all Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. That really is a big part of the experience. It seems that all employees have great attitudes, excellent customer service skills, and really leave you feeling happy. They really have great formula - great service, consistent quality, and fair prices. It's always a safe bet. This place seems to be very popular with families with small children. BTW, the turkey club was really delicious!
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4/7/2015
1 check-inI came here a couple weeks ago with a girlfriend for an early dinner because I have a Lettuce Entertain You frequent diner card and you can make reservations on OpenTable. After reading reviews I was hoping to be blown away. I sorely was not! :(
My burger (Green Chile Cheeseburger) was good, but was supposed to come with cheddar cheese and mine definitely had american on it. My sweet potato fries ($2 up charge!) were mushy and cold. Let's just say that my meal filled me up, but was no where worthy of the price tag on it.
Lastly, the decor had a "run-down Applebees" vibe to it. Not what I expected. I probably won't be back unless a friend insists we go here. -
- Andrew H.
- Chicago, IL
- 75 friends
- 28 reviews
6/2/2015
1 check-inGo for the amazing burgers, stay for the tower of onion rings.
I run hot and cold at times on the idea of burgers as anything but convenience food. This place totally confirms that the American icon of food can be a high quality taste experience. Cooked to perfection, juicy, on a bun that stands up to the moisture through every last bite - I was so impressed!
Did I mention you really should get the tower of onion rings? They're not the thin, crunchy variety you'll find at a lot of fast food places, nor the battered donut kind restaurants tend to serve. They're just thickly sliced onion in a crispy golden coating, and quite perfect.
The service was so-so. This didn't affect loving every bite, but had to be mentioned. Our waitress visited our table once to drop off menus, once to take the order, and once to drop off the check (other staff delivered the food and she never checked back). This isn't enough for me not to go back, but I'd be interested to see if it happened again. I was there in a twosome and every other table seemed to be 6+ on that particular night. It's worth bringing friends or the whole family for the quality though, that's for sure. -
- Shar S.
- Carol Stream, IL
- 0 friends
- 8 reviews
7/10/2015
This place is dark and kind of small. They are known for their salad bar, so of course that's what I had. It has a wide variety to choose from of lettuces, veges, fruits, and dressings. The service was great even during peak dinner hours. It is also affordable too!
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- Michelle W.
- Chicago, IL
- 4 friends
- 38 reviews
8/1/2015
1 check-inCame here after a trip to the zoo and was very pleasantly surprised! The decor and vibe of the place was so unique with pictures and strange paintings all over the walls. It was really packed but for some reason we didn't have to wait to long for a table of 6. Ended up going for the Santa Fe wrap instead of s very tempting burger that they're so famous for just because it was so hot outside I didn't think I could handle something really heavy. When I saw the glorious burgers other people ordered I got a little jealous, but my wrap was actually perfect! It was very fresh and the flavors were amazing. It came with some cottage fries aka essentially some crispy/some soggy potato chips that could've been upgraded to actual fries, but I didn't mind them and they went with my wrap pretty well. The service was really great and I would definitely come back again for burgers or bring other people here if I'm trying to show them a cool restaurant with good food.
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- Mike R.
- Halton Hills, Canada
- 1 friend
- 6 reviews
7/8/2015
We accidently stumbled on this location and were very happy with our lunch choice. The service was very good and we didn't have to wait for a table. Our server was very friendly and she did a great job of taking care of our kids with their needs.
The menu had a lot to choose from for your typical lunch. The restaurant claims they serve the best burgers in Chicago. And they were very delicious. It was one of the best burgers I have ever had. The homemade chips were also amazing. The only downfall of this restaurant is the small dessert menu. We have no complaints otherwise. -
9/20/2014
1 check-inCame here after 4 hour delayed flight from DC as it's near my friend's place. It was around 11pm so the waitress did not look too happy to see us. Oh well. There were a few people at the bar and a few others came in while we were eating.
I was famished so I got a mushroom burger which came with homemade chips. The food was good. Of course I was starving so may have been biased, but my friend likes this place.
Funny: my friend spotted chocolate chip cream cheese on the salad bar that she just had to try. So she asked the grumpy waitress if she could have some which we got. I don't why she was so excited to try this, but she was. I have to say it was weird, but actually pretty tasty. Mostly it was just hilarious though.
I'd say if you are looking for a burger and a beer this is a pretty good place. Nothing outrageously outstanding, but it's good. They do have chocolate chip cream cheese though so there's that..... -
- Christina M.
- Chicago, IL
- 78 friends
- 557 reviews
- Elite ’15
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1/30/2015
As someone who formerly ate beef very infrequently until the demise of my health that is Chicago, I developed an affinity for cheeseburgers when I moved to Chicago. It's true. I ate a burger about four times a year prior to living here. Times have changed. Times have changed indeed. I've now had enough burgers to rank them! The best burger in town is not here!
I've been to RJ Grunts several times and am never impressed. It's just okay and pretty unremarkable.
They do have a nice menu of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, milkshakes. This spot is cute, casual, low key, but the spacing and seating is crowded and feels crammed and tight and unrelaxing. Overall the menu is overpriced considering the quality and taste. The burgers are just okay. The homemade chips are good but often times soggy and undercooked. The fries are okay but I believe there is an extra charge for fries as your side dish. The salad bar has a nice selection but is very overpriced. The brunch is disappointing, not a big selection of items and feels like a cafeteria. The chocolate chip cookie dessert is good. Service is always unremarkable.
Overall, this place is just alright but there are far better similar spots. -
2/10/2015
1 check-inI met up with a few friends in Lincoln Park yesterday for dinner. This place wasn't all that it was talked up to be. The booths are very small and I'm not even a big man. They're almost uncomfortable for four people. I'll say this is a cool neighborhood restaurant/bar to have a drink at or something but I wouldn't spend my money here again for dinner. The margaritas were inexpensive. My burger was not worth $15.00 at all---I could have a much better burger at First Draft in Printer's Row for less than what I paid at RJ Grunts. The service was decent, nothing spectacular. I'm actually quite shocked this is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant.
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- Kristy H.
- Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
- 52 friends
- 35 reviews
1/4/2015
9 check-insAs a newbie to Chicago, I've been on the lookout for new spots and with RJ Grunts right in our building this one was an easy choice.
Known for their salad bar, it does not disappoint. It comes with unlimited salad and a choice between two soups of the day. There is some vanilla frosting with chocolate chips that is an absolute must. It's perfect on the fruit, or on the waffles that are a part of their weekend brunch. I'd definitely order an appetizer if you just plan on getting the salad bar, as their pricing structure will result in the total cost about being the same as the salad bar on its own.
The rest of their menu is phenomenal comfort food with daily specials, and a monthly gourmet burger that is always tasty. They make a great grilled cheese complete with multiple types of cheese and you have the option to choose between cottage fries (homemade chips), regular fries or sweet potato fries.
The biggest drawback is the bar. While they do offer a selection of craft brews, they are on the pricier side. There are some seasonal cocktails that they offer, but it's really not a place to go if you are looking for drinks to be a integral part of your experience. Stay away from the Bloody Mary, it's just some standard bottle mix and a celery stick. Nothing special at all. -
1/10/2015
7 check-insOne really can't go wrong at Grunts...a nice little casual family restaurant on the near north side. Grunts was the first Lettuce Entertain You palace for Rich Mellman. He started it in the 1970s and it quickly became a little hangout for the Chicago Bears players of that era...which insured Grunts of gaining a bit of press and buzz. Early on Grunts used to take pictures of the waitresses and put them up on the wall...and they remain their today exhibiting the fashion and hairstyles of the 1970s. Now to the food.
Started really as a hamburger place they have expanded into a wide ranging menu. They still make great hamburgers and patty melts, but also serve up wonderful slabs of BBQ ribs and wings (three heat levels of buffalo or just plain BBQ), along with daily specials such as salmon and carne asada. Grunts arguably started the salad bar fad back in the 1970s and continues it today. There are something like 50 items on the salad bar including two daily soups and a little jello or custard finisher. You can get the salad bar with any meal or all by itself...refills are always unlimited. All around portion sizes are large.
For the libations...Grunts has a little bar on your right when you walk in (you can also eat at the bar). It is a full-service bar that can mix up most any drink...and they make a few specials every day, albeit a bit pricey. The Grunts margarita was just ok...premade and a bit on the small side. Look on the mirror on the back wall of the bar and you'll find the listing of the craft beers offered that day. They do not pretend to be a beer palace and do not have a particularly large selection of craft beers, but do offer a half dozen or so stand-bys...along with PBR tall boys for $3. Basically they don't want you to hang at the bar...they want you in to eat at the restaurant...but that's fine with me.
They do take reservations and that can be useful since they get crowded at times. Great location and really nice pub food make this a stop worth finding. They have been here 40 years for a reason...go find out why. -
7/19/2014
We came here for lunch on a Friday. It was busy but they take your cell number and send you a text when your table is ready. They also have stroller parking outside which is great.
I really did not like the feel of the restaurant. Too crowded- cramped. It was hard to get to our table. The salad bar looks amazing but is right by where people are sitting. I just didn't like it. Plus, the bathrooms are tiny! I know this is a chicago staple but I wasn't a fan of the atmosphere.
The food was good and the service was good. That's why I gave 3 stars. However, the chips were soggy, I would get fries next time (if there is a next time). I got the Yowza Burger which was cooked perfectly and the pickle was perfect! I should have asked for another :)
I'm glad I checked RJ's out, but won't make a special trip to come back. -
- Lynn S.
- Fort Worth, TX
- 5 friends
- 5 reviews
7/21/2015
Ended up here because ranallis wasn't open until 5 pm. Needed early dinner before volleyball. Yuck! What a waste of money. Brought my sister and whole family visiting from out of state and just so disappointing. Grumpy waitress, old fries that must have been sitting there forever and they just didn't care to give us fresh. By the time waitress came back we had finished most everything else didn't bother getting decent ones. Salad bar was ok. The fried pickles were about the only thing memorable. Overall I can't believe I wasted calories and a meal here.
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- Michael P.
- Chicago, IL
- 20 friends
- 112 reviews
- Elite ’15
4/19/2015
I would not come here for the food. Good salad bar, but everything else was very mediocre. High point was the $5 Bloody Marys, not because they tasted great but because they tasted good enough and I needed some hair of the dog. Brunch buffet was a big let-down, and frankly a place like this should aspire to be better than buffet trays of basics as the only choice. No excuse for not being able to order some better fare as an alternative. We only came here because it was a large group with kids, and this was the best we could do on short notice.
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- Amber H.
- Chicago, IL
- 11 friends
- 8 reviews
7/19/2015
rj grunts is the gold standard for chicken fingers in chicago. everyone else talks about burgers and the salad bar at this place.
no. chicken fingers are WHERE IT'S AT. My friends make fun of me for my love of chicken fingers, saying i eat like a child. I don't care, they're delicious. I've lived in chicago for two and a half years and have been on the hunt for my favorite chicken fingers. about six months ago, i discovered rj grunt's and have literally not gone anywhere else for chicken fingers.
the food is simple but good. i don't ask for a lot, but these guys NAIL it. -
- Geoffrey E.
- Chicago, IL
- 10 friends
- 5 reviews
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10/15/2014
Listed in Good BurgersI've been here numerous times and haven't had a chance to review. This is a Lettuce Entertain You establishment. Walk through revolving door into bar area and hostess station. Full bar with tv mounted on wall. Behind the hostess station is the main seating area. Booths line the walls and traditional table/chair setups fill in the middle. It can get a little cramped in there during dinner.
Their salad bar is fantastic, lots of options, and great soups.
I've probably had about 4 or 5 of their burgers, but my favorite would have to be the Hickory Bacon Cheddar Burger. Burgers are huge and cooked to specified temperature. Burgers typically come with cottage fries, which are essentially potato chips or you can upgrade for fries for $1 I believe. They also have dinner specials.
Shakes are equally good. Overall, great place for burgers or salad bar. I would recommend reservations if going for dinner. -
- Rachel A.
- Chicago, IL
- 13 friends
- 25 reviews
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- Amy B.
- Glen Ridge, NJ
- 0 friends
- 2 reviews
8/6/2015
Totally family friendly. I am here at 2:30 and it is packed with smiling families, eating. They have a stroller storage place outside with a lock so no worries about stroller going missing. Awesome 70s music to boot. I had the bbq pulled pork sandwich; delicious!
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- Scott J.
- Holland, MI
- 4 friends
- 9 reviews
7/8/2015
Server had no idea we existed...finally after heading back to the hostess she alerted the server. Salad bar looked ok, was probably ahead of its time 10 years ago, now it's just ho hum. Portions were large and the food was good. Not the best and not the worst. Even at 3 stars I would eat here again.
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4/21/2014
1 check-inI've been here 2 times and on each occasion I've received good service. The serves are always helpful when it comes to providing information on the menu options, they keep your glass filled with you beverage of choice and they truly seem to enjoy working there.
When the burgers come out they always look like something you'd get at a 4th of July BBQ, but they taste delicious. I recommend the Hickory Bacon Cheddar Burger with the creamy caramel milkshake.
Just know that this place gets packed on weekends with people coming from the zoo so it's best to make reservations. -
- Greg O.
- Ottawa, Canada
- 3 friends
- 31 reviews
7/31/2015
Read about this place (near Lincoln Park Zoo) in the Chicago Lonely Planet guide. Quaint, quirky little place that didn't disappoint with thick, tasty milkshakes, tasty burgers and chicken sandwiches. Good kids' menu, too. Service was fast, friendly and attentive. Great way too cool off after wandering around the zoo in 90+ temps...
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- Kayla L.
- Suwanee, GA
- 1 friend
- 4 reviews
7/6/2015
If you're looking for delicious food and restaurant with character - look no further. We had 1 day to spend in Chicago and decided to go to RJ Grunts for lunch after going to the zoo. I had the salad bar (amazing- cut up fruits, entire apples, dessert, soup, etc.) and my husband got a classic cheeseburger (greasy and delicious). We had some draft beers from local breweries and enjoyed some 70s music while we ate. You know you've picked a hometown favorite when the local EMS and police department are there on lunch break...would highly recommend!
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- Hannah S.
- Milford, MA
- 2 friends
- 6 reviews
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- Kate L.
- Chicago, IL
- 1 friend
- 11 reviews
5/1/2015
I am defiantly a regular at this restaurant because of the kind service, great food, and good prices.
The service is very good, and the waiters constantly check in on you. They are very nice, and almost all of the waiters know me and greet me with a smile.
You have a wide variety of food choices, with a good kids menu. The adult menu has many options too. The salad bar is also a very good option with lots of toppings for your salad. RJ Grunts has a good beer menu which is always a plus for the adults.
The prices are fairly good for the food you receive. They accept credit cards and Let us Entertain you gift cards.
You will defiantly want to make a reservation because they are often busy, but it is worth the hassle.
I would defiantly recommend going here! -
- Alice L.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 7 reviews
4/29/2015
Pros:
- Good for groups/families/kids
Cons:
- Expensive for what you get
- Food is not great, especially the inconsistent cook of their meats
- Wait time
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I went here for a lunch double date after visiting Lincoln Park Zoo. I suppose it should have been expected given that it's within walking distance of the zoo, but the place was filled with toddlers and families. We were told the wait would be about half an hour. We waited inside almost 1 hour without any sign that we would be seated soon, so we went up and inquired about our table and were magically seated right away (?). Not sure if it was coincidence or they lost our names for some reason, but regardless it left a little question mark in my head
I ordered the Mushroom Swiss burger ($11.95), medium rare. The other 3 people in my party also ordered their burgers medium rare. Unfortunately, mine came out quite rare to the point it tasted cold and soggy. I understand if one restaurant may cook their "medium rare" burgers differently than another, but within the restaurant I feel like there should have been some consistency --- especially if the orders all went in at the same time. I don't even honestly remember the mushrooms or cheese or other components because the meat was so terrible. The burger was quite remarkably bad, especially given the very remarkable price tag. The best part of the meal was the side dill pickle --- I had to steal my boyfriend's pickle to fill me up because I couldn't finish my burger.
Note: their cottage fries basically taste like thick burnt potato chips. I'm not sure what the french fries or sweet potato fries taste like, so I can't comment on whether it's worth the $1-2 upgrade.
Hours
| Mon | 11:30 am - 12:00 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 am - 12:00 am | |
| Wed | 11:30 am - 12:00 am | |
| Thu | 11:30 am - 12:00 am | Open now |
| Fri | 11:30 am - 12:00 am | |
| Sat | 10:00 am - 12:00 am | |
| Sun | 10:00 am - 9:00 pm |
Menu
- Sweet Potato Fries
- 5.50
- Cottage Fries
- 3.95
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos
- 12.95
More business info
-
- Takes Reservations
- Yes
- Delivery
- Yes
- Take-out
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Yes
- Good For
- Lunch
- Parking
- Valet, Street
- Bike Parking
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Yes
- Good for Kids
- Yes
- Good for Groups
- Yes
- Attire
- Casual
- Ambience
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Loud
- Alcohol
- Full Bar
- Outdoor Seating
- No
- Wi-Fi
- Free
- Has TV
- Yes
- Waiter Service
- Yes
- Drive-Thru
- No
- Caters
- Yes
From the business
The first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, Grunts still exudes the funky, devil-may-care lifestyle of the 70s in its style, décor, music, and menu. Happily for all of us, the best eating of …
Learn more about RJ Grunts , Opens a popupSpecialties
The first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, Grunts still exudes the funky, devil-may-care lifestyle of the 70s in its style, décor, music, and menu. Happily for all of us, the best eating of that day continues to be some of the best today.
While there's a huge menu that's as much fun to eat your way through as it is to read, many of Grunts' old favorites spark return visits. The burgers are arguably the best in town. The salad bar boasts more than 50 ingredients daily, from soups to fruit to pasta salad. Giant malts and milkshakes are hand scooped and come in a rainbow of colors. Don't forget the barbecued baby back ribs! Grunts has sold so many that, if put end to end, they would stretch all the way to someplace else and back a lot of times.
History
Established in 1971.
The original Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. Open on earth June 10, 1971.
Meet the Business Owner
Richard Melman is Founder and Chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a Chicago-based corporation that owns over 80 restaurants nationwide.
The restaurant business has been Melman's life work, beginning with his early days in a family owned restaurant, and later as a teenager working in fast food eateries, at a soda fountain, and selling restaurant supplies. After realizing that he wasn't cut out to be a college student, and failing to convince his father that he should be made a partner in the family business, Melman met Jerry A. Orzoff, a man who immediately and unconditionally believed in Melman's ability to create and run restaurants. In 1971 the two opened R.J. Grunts, a hip burger joint that soon became one of the hottest restaurants in Chicago. Here Melman and Orzoff presented food differently and with a sense of humor, creating the youthful and fun restaurant which was a forerunner in the trend towards dining out as entertainment that swept this country in the early '70
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